As part of the mentoring programme for priests with up to three years of parish service, organised by the Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade and Karlovci, the final meeting within the first lecture cycle, covering different aspects of pastoral ministry was held on 30 June 2025 in the parish hall of the Temple of St. Sava in Vračar. This interactive event concluded the initial series of lectures intended for young clergymen. It was also attended by several senior priests who came to share their experiences with their younger brethren.
In the introductory part, Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Vajo Jović, Coordinator of the Section for Parish Mission, briefly mentioned the topics covered during this cycle of lectures, placing particular emphasis on the importance of correct officiation of the Divine Liturgy, which is of essential significance for the future ministry of young priests, as well as the various practices encountered in churches throughout the Archdiocese. He was followed by Presbyter Oliver Subotić, Head of the Department, who underlined the importance of attentive observance of the Liturgy, illustrating his points with several examples.
As the discussion progressed, the lecturers shared their rich personal experiences, citing numerous examples from their pastoral ministry and responding to questions posed by the priests. Special attention was devoted to issues concerning pastoral relationships with the faithful, the sacrament of confession, fostering dialogue with the congregation, and the importance of bearing witness to the Gospel in contemporary society in a language accessible to the people of today..
Deputy Protopriest Stevan Vukić, Dean of the Church of St. Alexander Nevsky in Dorćol, also gave his advice to the younger clergy, offering practical examples on how one should approach liturgical service and the altar space.
It was a lively and substantial discussion, with priests posing questions related to specific pastoral challenges, spiritual dilemmas, and opportunities for enhancing parish life. They also reflected on the application of akribeia and economia in the practice of the Church.
The gathering unfolded in a spirit of fraternal exchange of experience, encouragement, and shared reflection on the role of the priest in contemporary circumstances. It concluded with an invitation to continue such meetings in the future, with the aim of supporting and strengthening the young shepherds of Christ’s Church.
